SWP entering the TUSC, yay or nay?

  1. SPEWtrotskyite
    SPEWtrotskyite
    SWP are now a part of the recently launched Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition. This puts a bit more meat on the bone in terms of activists and influence- the SWP claim to have 6,000 members which gives the coalition a much needed boost in terms of numbers and members. So far 3 SWP member shave been put forward to stand in the general election. The danger is that with their numbers like with Socialist Alliance the SWP might try to dominate and essentially play out their usual control freakery of such coalitions. However, since the coalition will be federally organized, it will be much easier to keep them at bay, as the steering committee won't be swallowed up by them. Also it could be argued that there is much more at stake for the SWP this time- they have had a lapse in membership, together with their minor split with the Rees-German group, in addition the SP is growing and developing increasingly good relations with union NEC's and leaders.

    But will the SWP take this seriously as a coalition or just another opportunity for easy recruitment and domination?
  2. Crux
    Crux
    I think it might be good. Maybe they will learn. In either way if they do mess up, it will most likely hit them harder than the TUSC. But as I said, I remain hopeful. But then again, I am not brittish.
  3. Q
    Q
    the SWP claim to have 6,000 members which gives the coalition a much needed boost in terms of numbers and members.
    So they claim. They would be fortunate to have 3000 actual members (that is: dues paying) and maybe half of them actively involved in stuff.

    But will the SWP take this seriously as a coalition or just another opportunity for easy recruitment and domination?
    Time will tell. If the SWP CC continues to steer its membership like an army and commands to recruit the hell out of TUSC, that may be a possibility. I think it is necessary to have a long term strategy in which we build a united platform in which ideas, experiences, tactics and theoretical questions can be discussed - if we're ever to organise in a united fashion.
  4. SPEWtrotskyite
    SPEWtrotskyite
    Do comrades think the minor discontent regarding democracy in the SWP with the Left Platform may lead to further disputes? If so do we think that their rank and file members (with whom German is actually quite popular amongst) would take a coalition more seriously as an alliance thatn the CC?
  5. Q
    Q
    Do comrades think the minor discontent regarding democracy in the SWP with the Left Platform may lead to further disputes? If so do we think that their rank and file members (with whom German is actually quite popular amongst) would take a coalition more seriously as an alliance thatn the CC?
    I think you're putting the matter too much as one leadership versus another. If we were mass parties, it might have mattered, but in reality we should be happy when we get 1% of the vote as it is. Unless TUSC has a life after the elections, of which I see no discussions so far, this is not a very relevant way to discuss this matter.

    Now if TUSC was meant to be a longterm platform for revolutionary and militant forces to work together in, it is a totally different setting and the correct stance of the respective leaderships does matter.
  6. SPEWtrotskyite
    SPEWtrotskyite
    TUSC is intended to sow the seeds for alliance and is the first possible step we can be taking in that direction, so infact it is essential that we formulate a coherent and sturdy body which could be a step towards unity. The leadership is a huge issue with the SWP in whatever coalition they're in because their members have very little say as to the political direction of the party- so it is the leadership of the SWP we must be wary of and who we should be focusing on in terms of the overall party. There are no discussion planned after the election yet because it is much too early but If we can keep sectarianism from all parties (including us!) at bay then the prospect of post-election talks become realistic. It would be fatal to underestimate what the SWP leadership can and may do given the opportunity.